LE3 Abdomen 2024 Flashcards
- The cecum is considered dilated when its diameter exceeds ___ cm.
A. 3
B. 6
C. 9
D. 12
C. 9 cm
The cecum is considered dilated when its diameter exceeds 9 cm on radiographic imaging. This criterion is important to assess potential colonic obstruction or other related conditions. A dilated cecum is an indication of abnormal distension, which may suggest underlying issues like obstruction, volvulus, or pseudo-obstruction. The larger the cecal diameter, the higher the risk of colonic perforation, particularly when it reaches critical values beyond 12-15 cm.
- The “string of pearls” sign represents air within the __________.
A. Plicae circulares
B. Plicae semilunaris
C. Bowel wall
D. Beaded biliary tree
A. Plicae circulares
The “string of pearls” sign refers to the presence of gas bubbles trapped between the plicae circulares in the small intestine, as seen on an upright abdominal radiograph or CT scan. This sign is indicative of small bowel obstruction (SBO). The plicae circulares are numerous mucosal folds within the small intestine, helping with nutrient absorption by increasing surface area. The presence of the “string of pearls” is often due to the accumulation of gas and fluid above the site of obstruction, typically found in the early stages of small bowel obstruction when the bowel is hyperactive.
- A precursor to appendiceal perforation, characterized by focal wall non-enhancement on CT scan representing necrosis, is known as:
A. Gangrenous appendicitis
B. Acute appendicitis with obstructing appendicoliths
C. Periappendiceal abscess
D. Appendiceal mucocele
A. Gangrenous appendicitis
Focal wall non-enhancement on a CT scan of the appendix is characteristic of gangrenous appendicitis, a severe form of appendicitis that precedes perforation. This occurs due to compromised blood flow, leading to necrosis of the appendiceal wall. Gangrenous appendicitis presents with increased severity compared to uncomplicated acute appendicitis and requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent further complications, such as abscess formation or generalized peritonitis.
- The characteristic radiographic feature of diffuse esophageal spasm on a barium swallow is:
A. Foreshortening and stricturing of the distal esophagus (e.g., hiatal hernia, short esophagus)
B. Rat-tail deformity of the distal esophagus (e.g., Achalasia)
C. Corkscrew appearance of the esophagus
D. Multiple out-pouchings or pseudodiverticula (e.g., Crohn’s disease)
C. Corkscrew appearance of the esophagus
The characteristic radiographic feature of diffuse esophageal spasm on a barium swallow is the corkscrew appearance. This results from simultaneous, non-peristaltic contractions throughout the esophagus, leading to multiple contractions visible on a barium swallow. This condition is a motility disorder that can cause chest pain and dysphagia, which can mimic other conditions like angina. The “corkscrew” or “rosary bead” appearance reflects the spastic contractions, differing from other esophageal conditions like achalasia, which show the “bird-beak” or “rat-tail” deformity.
- A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen reveals a sharply-defined, water-density lesion in the left hepatic lobe, with no perceptible wall and no contrast enhancement. The primary consideration is:
A. Cavernous hemangioma
B. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma
C. Metastasis from pancreatic carcinoma
D. Hepatic cyst
D. Hepatic cyst
A sharply-defined, water-density lesion in the liver without a perceptible wall or contrast enhancement on a contrast-enhanced CT scan suggests a hepatic cyst. Hepatic cysts are usually benign and asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions. They contain fluid and lack internal septations, calcifications, or enhancement, differentiating them from other lesions like hemangiomas, metastases, or hepatocellular carcinoma.
- The most common site of gastrointestinal tuberculosis is:
A. Sigmoid colon
B. Stomach
C. Ileocecal segment
D. Duodenum
C. Ileocecal segment
The ileocecal segment is the most common site of gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GI TB). Tuberculosis in this region typically affects the terminal ileum, cecum, and proximal ascending colon. The reasons for this preference include the high absorptive surface area, a longer transit time, and a higher rate of lymphoid tissue in this area. The ileocecal TB presents with symptoms like right lower quadrant pain, fever, weight loss, and can mimic other conditions like Crohn’s disease or appendicitis.
- Compensatory hypertrophy of the opposite kidney is often seen in which congenital renal anomaly?
A. Renal agenesis
B. Horseshoe kidney
C. Von Hippel-Lindau disease
D. Cross-fused renal ectopia
A. Renal agenesis
Renal agenesis is a congenital condition where one kidney fails to develop, often leading to compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining kidney. This is the body’s way of compensating for the missing renal function, where the contralateral kidney increases in size to meet the metabolic demands. Renal agenesis can occur unilaterally or bilaterally, with the latter being incompatible with life.
- This structure divides the gastrointestinal system into upper and lower portions:
A. Ampulla of Vater
B. Ileocecal valve
C. Ligament of Treitz
D. Ligamentum teres
C. Ligament of Treitz
The Ligament of Treitz is the anatomical structure that divides the gastrointestinal tract into upper and lower portions. It is located at the duodenojejunal junction and is significant in clinical settings for determining the source of gastrointestinal bleeding, with bleeding proximal to the ligament classified as upper GI bleeding and bleeding distal to it classified as lower GI bleeding. This distinction aids in guiding appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
- What is the most likely diagnosis given the CT scan findings of diffuse hydronephrosis, a complex renal mass, and the presence of a staghorn calculus?
A. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
B. Renal metastasis
C. Perirenal abscess
D. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis
D. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis
The most likely diagnosis given the CT findings of diffuse hydronephrosis, a complex renal mass, and a staghorn calculus is Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP). XGP is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of the kidney that often results from chronic obstruction and infection, commonly associated with staghorn calculi. Imaging findings include an enlarged kidney, hydronephrosis, renal calculi, and a complex mass that may mimic a renal tumor. The treatment usually involves antibiotics and surgical removal of the affected kidney (nephrectomy).
- What is the hallmark of mechanical bowel obstruction?
A. Diffuse symmetrical dilatation of small and large bowel loops
B. Few air-fluid levels in some non-dilated small intestinal segments
C. Presence of pre-sacral or rectal gas
D. Transition point between dilated and non-dilated bowel
D. Transition point between dilated and non-dilated bowel
The hallmark of mechanical bowel obstruction is the transition point between dilated and non-dilated bowel on imaging, such as an abdominal X-ray or CT scan. In mechanical obstruction, the bowel proximal to the obstruction becomes dilated due to the buildup of gas and fluid, while the distal bowel remains collapsed. Identifying this transition helps to locate the level of obstruction, which is important for determining treatment, whether surgical intervention or conservative
- What screening methods are appropriate for patients with abdominal pain?
A. CT scan
B. MRI
C. Ultrasound
D. X-ray
D. X-ray
Abdominal X-rays are commonly used as an initial screening tool to evaluate patients presenting with abdominal pain. They can help identify a variety of conditions, including masses, perforations (holes in the intestine), and obstructions. An abdominal X-ray is a quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive method that can provide valuable information about the presence of gas patterns, air-fluid levels, or free air, which could indicate conditions such as bowel obstruction, volvulus, or pneumoperitoneum. In cases of suspected bowel perforation, an upright abdominal or chest X-ray can help detect free air under the diaphragm, which is a hallmark of this condition.
- A chronic inflammatory bowel disease where the affected bowel becomes featureless with loss of the normal haustral markings (lead pipe sign) is:
A. Ulcerative colitis
B. Crohn’s disease
C. Diverticulitis
D. Appendicitis
A. Ulcerative colitis
The lead pipe sign refers to a featureless colon with the loss of haustral markings, commonly seen in Ulcerative colitis (UC) on barium studies or CT. UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that involves continuous inflammation of the colon, leading to a “lead pipe” appearance due to the chronic loss of haustrations and mucosal architectural distortion. This condition primarily affects the mucosal layer of the colon, beginning in the rectum and extending proximally in a continuous pattern. Unlike Crohn’s disease, which has patchy involvement, UC affects the colon in a more uniform manner.
- What is the radiologic diagnosis based on the provided symptoms?
A. Pneumoperitoneum
B. Pneumobilia
C. Gut obstruction
D. Generalized ileus
A. Pneumoperitoneum
The radiologic diagnosis in the provided X-ray image is Pneumoperitoneum, which is characterized by the presence of free air within the peritoneal cavity. This condition is a medical emergency often indicating a perforation of a hollow abdominal organ, such as a perforated gastric or duodenal ulcer, that allows gas to escape into the abdominal cavity.
In the image, several signs that are consistent with pneumoperitoneum can be identified:
- Double wall sign (Rigler’s sign): This occurs when air is present on both sides of the intestinal wall, making the walls of the bowel clearly visible. This sign is indicative of free intraperitoneal air.
- Football sign: Seen in massive pneumoperitoneum, the outline of the abdomen resembles an American football due to the large amount of free air within the peritoneal cavity.
- Cupola sign: The accumulation of air beneath the diaphragm, particularly visible on an upright X-ray.
These signs are suggestive of the presence of free gas in the abdominal cavity and indicate an urgent need for surgical intervention to address the source of the perforation and prevent peritonitis and sepsis. The condition requires immediate medical evaluation, and in most cases, surgical repair of the perforation is indicated.
- Which of the following is associated with Von Hippel-Lindau Disease?
A. Intracranial aneurysm
B. Mitral valve prolapse
C. Renal cell carcinoma
D. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis
C. Renal cell carcinoma
Von Hippel-Lindau Disease (VHL) is associated with the development of several types of tumors, including Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), pheochromocytomas, and hemangioblastomas of the brain and retina. RCC in VHL patients often presents bilaterally, and patients are at an increased risk for developing multifocal tumors. Regular imaging surveillance is recommended for early detection and treatment of RCC and other VHL-associated tumors.
- Hepatomegaly is suspected on ultrasound based on which of the following findings?
A. Increased parenchymal echogenicity greater than the right kidney
B. Extension of the liver edge above the right kidney
C. Markedly sharpened inferior border of the right lobe
D. Liver span of 20 cm
D. Liver span of 20 cm
Hepatomegaly refers to the enlargement of the liver, which can be suspected on ultrasound when the liver span exceeds 20 cm. Hepatomegaly can have several causes, such as fatty liver disease, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or malignancy. On ultrasound, hepatomegaly can be further characterized by changes in echotexture, such as increased echogenicity (suggestive of fatty liver) or the presence of focal lesions.
- A radiograph of a patient with known peptic ulcer disease (PUD) who presents to the ER with severe abdominal pain and increasing abdominal girth shows a markedly dilated air-filled stomach nearly occupying the entire abdominal cavity. What is the radiologic diagnosis?
A. Gastric outlet obstruction
B. Small gut obstruction
C. Lower GI obstruction
D. Perforated gastric ulcer
A. Gastric outlet obstruction
The presence of a markedly dilated air-filled stomach occupying the entire abdominal cavity on imaging, especially in a patient with known peptic ulcer disease (PUD), is consistent with gastric outlet obstruction. This occurs when there is an obstruction at the level of the pylorus or duodenum, leading to impaired gastric emptying. Causes include chronic scarring from ulcers, tumors, or other masses obstructing the pyloric canal. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloating.
- Which of the following findings in renal cell carcinoma is predictive of tumor spread?
A. Heterogeneous enhancement of the renal mass, less than that of the renal parenchyma
B. Low-density areas within the tumor
C. Perirenal fat stranding
D. Soft tissue nodules in the perinephric fat
D. Soft tissue nodules in the perinephric fat
The presence of soft tissue nodules in the perinephric fat on imaging is predictive of tumor spread in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC is known to spread via direct invasion, hematogenous routes, or lymphatic channels, and involvement of the perinephric fat indicates a more advanced stage of the disease. This finding can help guide treatment decisions, such as surgical resection versus systemic therapy.
- What does the presence of free air within the peritoneal cavity indicate?
A. Pneumothorax
B. Rigler sign
C. Pneumoperitoneum
D. Pneumobilia
C. Pneumoperitoneum
The presence of free air within the peritoneal cavity is known as Pneumoperitoneum. It is often a sign of a perforated abdominal viscus, such as a perforated peptic ulcer, and is considered a surgical emergency. The presence of free intraperitoneal air can be detected on imaging studies like an upright chest or abdominal X-ray, where air under the diaphragm is characteristic. Prompt surgical intervention is needed to repair the perforation and manage the risk of peritonitis.
- A solitary, peripherally located abscess in the right hepatic lobe is most likely:
A. Amoebic
B. Echinococcal
C. Fungal
A. Amoebic
A solitary, peripherally located abscess in the right hepatic lobe is most likely amoebic. Amoebic liver abscesses are caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which reaches the liver via the portal vein. They are commonly solitary and predominantly found in the right hepatic lobe. Clinically, symptoms are similar to those of pyogenic abscesses, including fever, right upper quadrant pain, and tender hepatomegaly. On imaging, amoebic abscesses can be hypoechoic or anechoic, often with indistinct margins.
- A routine abdominal ultrasound in a 29-year-old female reveals a round, well-defined, homogeneous hyperechoic lesion in the right lobe of the liver, which on CT shows nodular peripheral enhancement with gradual pooling. The primary consideration is:
A. Cavernous hemangioma
B. Hepatocellular carcinoma
C. Metastasis
D. Hepatic cyst
A. Cavernous hemangioma
A round, well-defined, homogeneous hyperechoic lesion in the liver with nodular peripheral enhancement and gradual pooling on CT is consistent with a cavernous hemangioma. This benign vascular tumor is the most common liver lesion, and its appearance is characteristic on imaging. On ultrasound, it appears hyperechoic with posterior acoustic enhancement. The CT findings of peripheral nodular enhancement with centripetal filling in are pathognomonic of hemangiomas.
- One of the CT findings indicative of unresectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is:
A. Extension to the duodenum
B. Lung metastasis
C. Tumor necrosis
D. Vascular encasement
D. Vascular encasement
One of the CT findings indicative of unresectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is vascular encasement. When the tumor encases surrounding arteries (e.g., celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery), surgical resection becomes impossible. Other findings of unresectability include distant metastasis, ascites, and lymph node involvement beyond the surgical field.
- One of the characteristic features of fatty infiltration of the liver is:
A. Bulging liver contour
B. Displacement of the intrahepatic blood vessels
C. Increased parenchymal echogenicity on ultrasound
D. Liver density greater than that of the spleen on non-enhanced CT
C. Increased parenchymal echogenicity on ultrasound
One of the characteristic features of fatty infiltration of the liver is increased parenchymal echogenicity on ultrasound. Fatty liver disease is characterized by increased fat deposition within hepatocytes, resulting in a brighter liver compared to the adjacent kidney cortex on ultrasound. Other features may include hepatomegaly, and in advanced cases, poor visualization of the hepatic vessels.
- The most common form of gastritis is:
A. Alkali gastritis
B. Emphysematous gastritis
C. H. pylori gastritis
D. Phlegmonous gastritis
C. H. pylori gastritis
The most common form of gastritis is H. pylori gastritis. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining, leading to chronic inflammation, peptic ulcer disease, and, in some cases, gastric cancer. Diagnosis can be made through non-invasive testing such as urea breath tests or stool antigen tests, or via endoscopy with biopsy. Eradication therapy typically involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors.
- The radiographic sign of a malignant gastric ulcer is:
A. Carman meniscus sign
B. Ulcer collar
C. Telltale triangle sign
D. Hampton’s line
A. Carman meniscus sign
The Carman meniscus sign is a radiographic feature of a malignant gastric ulcer. This sign is observed when there is a lenticular-shaped filling defect of barium with the inner margin convex toward the gastric lumen, typically indicating a large ulcerated neoplasm. The meniscus shape suggests thickened, irregular edges, consistent with malignancy.